Vatican envoy deplores "illegal Israeli action" In a statement referring to "illegal Israeli action" in Palestinian territories, a Holy See representative has told a United Nations emergency meeting that the centrality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a cause of Middle East instability cannot be ignored. [More] Russian Orthodox leader says Catholics are "allies" In the face of "hostile" secularism, Orthodox and Catholics are increasingly recognising each other as allies, a Russian Orthodox leader, Metropolitan Kirill, told Russian television following a meeting with Pope Benedict. [More] Catholic employer body slams IR fairness risk Constitutional validity of the new industrial laws does not mean they are fair, according to Michael McDonald, head of the Catholic peak body on employment relations. [More] Sisters of the JP2 generation For the iPod generation, it doesn't get more radical than wearing a veil. The hijab worn by traditional Muslim women might have people talking, but it's the wimple that really turns heads. And in the US today, the nuns most likely to wear that headdress are the ones young enough to have a playlist. Over the past five years, Catholic communities in the US have experienced a curious phenomenon: more women, most in their 20s and 30s, are trying on that veil. [More] - Time Magazine The Passion of the Pope This year the Pope has emerged as a far more compelling and complex figure than anyone had imagined. And much of that has to do with his willingness to confront the threat of Islamic violence. The topic is extraordinarily fraught. On the eve of his visit to Turkey, Benedict now finds himself in an unfamiliar position as he embarks on the most important mission of his papacy. Having thrust himself to the centre of the global debate and earned the vilification of the Muslim street, he must weigh hard options - David Van Biema and Jeff Israely [More] - Time Magazine Columbia: The US's other war Last Christmas, President Bush was asked about the future of Iraq. "The future of Iraq is Colombia," he answered with a wily grin. Much of the world recoils as the US occupies and destroys Iraq. But not so Colombia. There the US shoves aside the indigenous people, seizes their land, grants it to multinational corporations, and maintains a facade of democracy. And the world is none the wiser. Most think a noble cause lies behind the war. Thus the president finds his war on Columbia much more to his preference - Fr John Dear [More] - National Catholic Reporter